In iron deficiency, which pattern is typical for iron studies?

In iron deficiency, which pattern is typical for iron studies?

• A. Decreased iron, increased ferritin, decreased TIBC
• B. Decreased iron, decreased ferritin, increased TIBC
• C. Increased iron, increased ferritin, decreased TIBC
• D. Normal iron, normal ferritin, normal TIBC

Answer: (B)

In iron deficiency, the iron studies pattern shows low serum iron, low ferritin, and high total iron-binding capacity. Ferritin reflects stored iron, so depleted iron stores cause ferritin to drop. The body responds by increasing transferrin production to maximize iron transport, which raises TIBC. This combination helps distinguish iron deficiency from other conditions; for example, anemia of chronic disease can have normal or high ferritin with low serum iron and low or normal TIBC. Keep in mind ferritin can be normal or elevated if inflammation is present, which can mask iron deficiency.

In iron deficiency, the iron studies pattern shows low serum iron, low ferritin, and high total iron-binding capacity. Ferritin reflects stored iron, so depleted iron stores cause ferritin to drop. The body responds by increasing transferrin production to maximize iron transport, which raises TIBC. This combination helps distinguish iron deficiency from other conditions; for example, anemia of chronic disease can have normal or high ferritin with low serum iron and low or normal TIBC. Keep in mind ferritin can be normal or elevated if inflammation is present, which can mask iron deficiency.